Cherry Two

Part 23

Chapter 21

Keenan and Sonia stared at the small black and white screen in a room of the house seldom used by anyone. Keenan couldn't help feeling a bit like a peeping Tom.

"This is just before we arrived home on Friday." He pointed to the date and time running in the corner of the security video. "Look at what they're doing now. I think it high time we let Alain in on a family secret before this goes too far. We have no idea what went on in Monterey. Just think of the turmoil if she ends up pregnant." The image went to still frame.

Sonia snapped her head away. "No, Keenan, we agreed never to tell him that. He's YOUR son no matter what."

"Oh come on, Sonia, Alain's too bright. He doesn't look or act anything like his brother. This has been coming for a long time. We don't tell Calley of course. When she's gone home the problem is gone. Alain is mature enough to see the right of it."

Sonia shook her head in denial. "I was so sure she'd be attracted to Kent. Now look what's happened. Oh God what a mess."

"Is there any way we can send her home early without hurting her feelings? What's she got—about eight more days to go?"

"It's a charter flight. They won't change the return date unless it's an emergency."

Keenan shrugged. "Then the hell with the charter. We book her on a regular flight one-way. We can't take the risk, Sonia. Either we tell Alain now or Calley has to leave now. I hate spying on the boy, but what has to be done, has to be done."

"And when she arrives home early for no apparent reason what will James think of us? Can't we try some other way? When I remember how Calley and I carried on with James all those years ago it seems so goddamn unfair." Sonia pointed at the frozen frame on the screen. "I remember I first had sex with James on that very spot while Calley watched from upstairs. About where you have that tiny camera."

A hand went to his beard. "Hmm, too much information, my love. Well... there may be a way. I warn you, you're not going to like this one tiny bit."

Her face tightened. "Go on."

"We can send her to stay with your father."

"Robert!" Her eyes came wide.

"Yeah, Robert. They already met. In fact both Calley and Alain have been to his house in Carmel. She likes it up there. I'll make sure Alain is too busy to go."

Sonia could hardly speak. "Are you trying to tell me," she gasped, "Alain has started up a relationship with his grandfather? When did you find this out?"

"Yesterday. Darlin' I told you I knew all about the man ages ago. You weren't interested. When Calley announced she wanted to go to Monterey I suspected he'd make some sort of contact. How could he not? Who the Christ does she look like?"

In turmoil, Sonia bounced up from the chair and turned her back lest Keenan notice the flooding in her eyes.

***

That same morning, Rosetta took delivery of a large FedEx parcel and placed it on Keenan's desk, not knowing where her employers had gone inside the rambling property. The package seemed quite heavy and bore a return address that meant nothing to the Hispanic woman. On her way to the kitchen she spied Sonia and Keenan coming down the main staircase. Sonia looked as if she'd been crying.

"Meester Keenan, sir, you have parcel. I put on desk. Is okay?"

He stopped as Sonia continued on through the house to the sundeck. "What kind of parcel, Rosetta?"